Author: Dawn Gilbertson, USA TODAY

Nearly 2.5 million people flew on Sunday, the most since the pandemic began but short of Thanksgiving 2019.

The budget carrier started flights from California in April and recently expanded to the busy Connecticut-Florida corridor.

The budget carrier started flights from California in April and recently expanded to the busy Connecticut-Florida corridor.

The new omicron variant threatens to tighten travel restrictions around the globe just as they were easing due to rising COVID-19 vaccination rates.

The World Health Organization on Friday declared the variant, omicron, a variant of concern. The first case was reported to WHO from South Africa.

Airline travelers are only owed refunds, hotel and meal vouchers in certain cancellation circumstances due to a patchwork of regulations and policies.

The Thanksgiving travel rush is underway at airports, with double the crowds from 2020 due to COVID-19 vaccinations and eased travel restrictions.

Southwest sent a memo to employees days after the incident reminding them that crossing the line in a heated conversation can lead to firing.

Southwest said it does not condone employees sharing their personal political opinions.